Telling stories like a dream

I find inspiration in trying new things when it comes to film. Even if that means things may turn out differently than I had imagined or how the viewer expects a more traditional narrative to flow.

I just released my latest short film, The Lost Detective, and I've had a couple questions, and pieces of feedback regarding my use of sound in the film. Namely, that bits and pieces of the dialogue aren't perfectly clear, or that layering dialogue, voiceover, music, and other sound effects makes some parts difficult to hear.

“Many of the filmmakers I’ve admired over the years have used sound in bold and adventurous ways. I don’t agree with the idea that you can only achieve clarity through dialogue. Clarity of story, clarity of emotions — I try to achieve that in a very layered way using all the different things at my disposal — picture and sound.”

While concepting The Lost Detective, I was very inspired and motivated by short films like Pater Noster by Salomon Ligthelm:

most of my favorite films are told non-linearly...they probably echo the map of my mind....

I've started to realize that I enjoy telling stories like a dream. You don't always know, or remember, what was said. My primary hope, though, is that you'll remember how you feel. Scattered moments connect, or they don't - and some of that is up to interpretation.

I don't know that I'll ever make a film that fits a traditional narrative - such as two people sitting at a table talking. And that's ok, because part of what I love about film is that there's so much room to explore. There are thousands of films I haven't seen and will never see, many of which are trying new things. To me, that's incredibly exciting. If I have the opportunity to contribute something, especially if it's something different or experimental, then I feel an obligation to keep trying.